NEW DELHI, May 13: The Jammu Tawi-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express has recorded an overwhelming response from travellers, carrying close to 45,000 passengers within just 10 days of regular operations, reflecting the growing importance of the rail corridor for Jammu and Kashmir.
Official figures released by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) showed that 44,727 passengers travelled on the route between May 2 and May 11 through four daily services operating on the corridor. During the initial week ending May 8 alone, the service transported 28,762 passengers.
The strong ridership has further reinforced the significance of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL), the landmark railway project inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025, connecting the Kashmir Valley directly with the national railway network for the first time.
Passenger traffic witnessed another sharp rise after Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the upgraded 20-coach Vande Bharat service on April 30 this year, substantially increasing seating capacity on the busy route.
At present, two pairs of Vande Bharat trains operate between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar. Train numbers 26401 and 26402 run six days a week except Tuesdays, while trains 26403 and 26404 operate every day except Wednesdays, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity throughout the week.
Railway data indicated consistently high occupancy rates, particularly on days when both train pairs were operational. Passenger counts crossed 5,000 on several days, including 5,284 travellers on May 9, 5,657 on May 10, and 5,024 on May 11, indicating near-full capacity utilisation.
Even on days with limited services, occupancy levels remained above 94 per cent, highlighting sustained demand among commuters and tourists. Officials said the highest occupancy was recorded on May 10 at 98.21 per cent.
Railway authorities stated that the train has rapidly emerged as a preferred travel option for pilgrims, students, traders, tourists and government employees due to its speed, reliability and uninterrupted all-weather connectivity.
Unlike road travel, which is frequently affected by snowfall, landslides and traffic disruptions on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the Vande Bharat service provides seamless and time-efficient transportation across the region.
Passengers travelling on the route also experience panoramic views of iconic engineering marvels including the Chenab Rail Bridge and Anji Khad Bridge, along with a series of tunnels passing through the Himalayan mountains before entering the Kashmir Valley.
Officials noted that the rail service is significantly more economical compared to air travel and private road transport, making it attractive for middle-income travellers and families. Chair car fares, including onboard meals, remain considerably lower than airline tickets and long-distance taxi fares.
With summer tourism gaining momentum in destinations such as Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam, railway authorities expect passenger numbers to increase further in the coming weeks.
Indian Railways said the service is playing a transformative role not only in passenger transportation but also in boosting tourism, trade and regional economic activity while strengthening integration between Kashmir and the rest of the country through modern rail infrastructure.